INDUSTRY – A public hearing will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Industry Town Hall to review an ordinance proposed by the town’s Wind Power Ordinance Committee. This is the second public hearing on the proposed ordinance, which will appear before the voters at the annual town meeting on March 9.

The proposed Industry Wind Power Ordinance is an extension to the permit requirements of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for large wind projects, and addresses requirements for any wind projects that are not within MDEP jurisdiction.

The proposed ordinance defines a minimum safety buffer distance in relation to the height of any proposed turbines. The purpose of the safety buffer is to ensure the protection of residents and properties from falling or thrown debris in the event of a catastrophic event, and from the effect of noise generated by the operation of the wind mills.

An independent study was commissioned by the town to measure the effect of turbine sound travel in the topography of the Industry community. This study confirmed earlier research conducted by the Committee that led to a recommended safety buffer setback of 7,000 feet from surrounding properties for major installations.

In recognition of property rights, the proposed ordinance establishes legally binding perpetual easements, for a fee, as the mechanism by which a wind developer and surrounding property owners may combine their lands to meet the safety buffer setback requirement.

The Wind Ordinance Committee invites all residents to the Feb. 21 meeting to express their views and ask questions about the proposed Ordinance.

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